How much does a New Zealand student visa cost in 2025?

Are you researching the cost of a student visa for New Zealand and want to know exactly how much you need to invest in this dream? We'll explore all the costs for you if you plan and discover that studying in New Zealand may be more affordable than you might think.
Official New Zealand student visa amount
O student visa for New Zealand has a fixed cost established by the country's government. In 2025, this amount is NZD 850, which at the current exchange rate of 1 NZD = 3.38 BRL represents an investment of R$ 2.873.
This amount may seem significant, but it's important to understand that this is a unique investment that can completely transform your professional and personal trajectory. With the program Study and Work in New Zealand, you have the opportunity to legally work up to 20 hours a week during your studies, which helps you recover this investment quickly.
Payment must be made by credit card during the online application process. Make sure that your card has an available limit and is enabled for international purchases before starting the process.
Additional costs you need to consider
In addition to the official visa fee, there are other essential expenses that are part of the application process. These extra costs are essential for your application to be approved without complications.
Mandatory medical examinations
Chest X-ray it is mandatory for all courses longer than 6 months, as Brazil is not on the list of countries with a low incidence of tuberculosis. The cost varies between R$ 200 to R$ 400 at clinics accredited by the New Zealand government.
General medical examination may be requested depending on your health history and duration of the course, with an additional cost of R$ 300 to R$ 600. These exams must be taken no more than 3 months before applying for a visa.
Documentation and translations
Certified translation is mandatory for all documents in Portuguese. You will need to translate school transcripts, diplomas, certificates, and other relevant documents. The cost varies between R$ 80 to R$ 150 per document, and usually 3 to 5 main documents are required.
Criminal certificates They cost approximately R$ 95 in the Federal Police for courses over 2 years. If you have lived in other countries for more than 5 consecutive years since you were 17, you will need certificates from those countries as well.
English proficiency test How does IELTS cost approximately R$ 800 to R$ 1.000. This investment is essential, as most courses require proof of English with a minimum score of 5.5.
Tips for saving in the process
There are a few strategies that can help you reduce the total costs of the visa process without compromising the quality of your application:
Search for accredited clinics for medical exams and compare prices. Some offer discounted packages when you take all your exams at the same location.
Organize all documents at once to do the certified translations in batches. Many translators offer a discount for larger volumes.
Prepare well for IELTS studying on their own or taking a preparatory course. Passing the first attempt saves time and money.
Stay up to date on the quote of the New Zealand dollar to choose the best time to make the visa payment.
Estimated total investment
Considering all the costs involved in the New Zealand student visa process, you should prepare for a total investment of between R$ 4.500 to R$ 6.500, depending on your specific situation and the required documents.
This estimate includes:
- Visa fee: R$ 2.873
- Medical exams: R$ 200 to R$ 1,000
- Certified translations: R$ 400 to R$ 750
- English test: R$ 800 to R$ 1,000
- Criminal certificates: R$ 95 to R$ 300
Is it worth the investment?
When you consider that this investment could open doors to a transformative international experience, global professional opportunities, and unique personal development, the answer is definitely yes. Additionally, New Zealand offers one of the best returns on investment in international education.
The country has one of the best qualities of life in the world, a hot job market for qualified professionals and the possibility of applying for permanent residence after studying. For those looking for other destination options, it is also worth visiting programs such as Study and Work in Australia or Learn a language abroad.
Smart financial planning
The key to making this investment more affordable lies in planning ahead. Start getting financially organized at least 6 months before the date you plan to apply for a visa.
Create a specific savings account for the exchange and deposit monthly amounts. Also consider working part-time or freelancing to accelerate the savings process.
Remember that this is an investment in yourself and your future. Many students are able to recover the amount invested in their visa within a few weeks of working in New Zealand, especially considering the local minimum wage of NZ$ 23.15 per hour.
Be Easy
Na Be Easy, we know that investing in an exchange is an important decision and we want you to have all the information you need to make the best decision. Our specialized team offers full support in the visa process, from financial planning to application submission. Don't let questions about costs stop you from realizing your dream of studying in New Zealand. Contact us today and discover how we can help you make that experience more accessible and smooth!